It is mostly during a calm, when
the ship rides motionless upon a painted sea, that mutinous and
rebellious thoughts arise among seamen. When the vessel is ploughing
her way through storm and stress, each man seems a part of the ship and
to have an interest in her voyage. It is then, too, that the word of
command carries weight and meaning, and the knowledge of common
dependence upon the captain makes for obedience and discipline, so that
while the gale lasted we had no fear of mutiny.
At the end of a week, during which time we covered many leagues of sea,
the weather moderated, when we found ourselves once more among the
islands of the South Seas, and the thoughts of being again on shore,
and the adventures that might be in store for us, put to flight less
wholesome and healthy thoughts.
By the time we came in sight of the islands Janstins had recovered his
spirits, and Hartog his good humour. Janstins, who was of a sanguine
disposition, began to speculate upon our chances of finding treasure,
and Hartog predicted that fortune stood upon the shores of one of these
pleasant islands to welcome us, and send us home rich men.
"It is not in nature, Peter," he said to me, "that precious stones and
metals exist only in the Old World.
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